The 2011 Polar Bear Wood Bat Tournament was held under sunny skies on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Wendell Park, but the event started off as the kind of day only a Polar Bear would love.

The teams showed up wearing all of their winter gear ready to play in Wendell Parks and Recreation’s unique tournament that is only held once a year. Early games witnessed frost on the ground as the overnight temperatures dipped into the upper 20s, but by the time the final pitch was made around 10:15 p.m. the temperatures stood in the 40s.

This year’s tournament was highlighted by some great defense, plenty of laughter and some unusually high-scoring games. By the end of the day the Willie’s Boys team battled its way to the championship winning six consecutive games after losing its first game of the day.

Willie’s Boys opened up tournament play with a 10-7 loss to B&B. Following the opening round loss, Willie’s Boys players knew there was a challenge ahead and proved they were up for it.

There were several factors that eventually led to the team taking the championship, including strong all-around team defense and several diving outfield catches, double plays in the infield and making most of the routine plays.

However, the move of the tournament came in the team’s only loss. In the third inning of game one with Willie’s Boys trailing by a score of 8-0 the decision was made to switch pitchers. Starting third baseman Johnny Baker stepped up to the mound and delivered knuckleball after knuckleball that kept the opposing teams off balance all day long. Opposing teams went on to average just three runs per game against Willie’s Boys after the pitching change.

The team that plays defense and hits well as a team is usually is the team that wins. That was true this year as Willie’s Boys average 7.3 runs per game and only gave up 3.7 runs on defense. Among the six straight wins Willie’s Boys recorded were two over B&B after the eventual champs fell into the loser’s bracket and worked to battle back out.

Ray’s Restaurant opened tournament play with an 18-17 victory over the JV Squad. In its next game Ray’s Restaurant faced B&B and lost the second round game 18-17.

B&B also defeated Scotty’s Boys 16-6, while Willie’s Boys defeated Mean Machine 17-1.

This year’s Polar Bear tourney witnessed a few new teams and a lot of new players. Parks and recreation staff hopes to keep the tradition going next year when the 2012 tournament is held Nov. 3-4.